Cold Hospital Operating Theatres

A long time ago, operating theatres were non sterile operating rooms where spectators (mostly students) can watch the surgeons perform surgical procedures. "Operating theatre" is now a term synonymous with the modern Operating Rooms (OR) and Operating Suites. These modern Operating Rooms are obviously the ones we see nowadays. Although most contemporary operating rooms and suites don't have that theatre setting others have galleries as substitute.

Aside from keeping Operating Rooms sterile, spacious and with good lighting, have you ever frequently heard people saying that these Operating Rooms are too cold?

In fact, Yes! Operating Theatres are usually cold. They have air conditioning units installed. Air conditioning installation is obviously what they do to keep it cold. Now why is an air conditioner installed? These Air conditioners are originally placed to keep the room cold and help reduce the risk of infection on the patient undergoing the surgical process. They also act as air purifiers that keep the surrounding air clean.

But recently, studies have shown that cold temperature does otherwise. It increases the risk of infection and lowers body resistance. Most cells and enzymes don't work when the body is cold. The immune system gets weak when you experience hypothermia which happens, of course, when you get too cold.

Now why are they still kept cold after knowing these facts? This is for the convenience of the Doctors and the nurses. Working under extreme bright lights and wearing the heavy gowns for hours can make them uncomfortable, hot and perspire. It is also mentioned in some studies that perspiration can contaminate the operative field.

You wouldn't like to have an uncomfortable, perspiring doctor operating on you would you? But anyhow, you can always request to have the temperature lowered or you can also ask for warm blankets when you can't stand the cold any longer.